“I would say that we have to explore and find ways to make our game a better game and take care of our players in whatever way possible,” Carroll said. “Regardless of what other stigmas might be involved, we have to do this because the world of medicine is doing this.”

Carroll made the comments at a news conference after the Seahawks' first Super Bowl practice Monday. Seattle takes on the Denver Broncos at Met Life Stadium in Meadowlands, N.J., this Sunday.

Commissioner Roger Goodell recently said the league may look into allowing medicinal marijuana.

The drug is legal for medicinal purposes in 20 states and the District of Columbia. Washington and Colorado recently legalized marijuana for recreational use.

The issue first came up when the AFC Championship game was played in Denver. Goodell responded last week by saying that the league may allow medical marijuana if science shows evidence that it helps treat concussions.

“We will follow medicine, and if they determine this could be a proper usage in any context, we will consider that,” Goodell said. “Our medical experts are not saying that right now.”

Marijuana is on the NFL's list of banned substances. Seahawks cornerbacks Brandon Browner and Walter Thurmond were given drug suspensions this season. Browner's suspension is ongoing.

The drug is still illegal, according to the federal government and interstate commerce laws, so the NFL has plenty of hurdles to overcome before approving its use.